November 29th has been a day of significant historical events spanning centuries and continents. From pivotal battles and landmark treaties to groundbreaking scientific achievements and profound social changes, this date has witnessed a wide array of impactful moments.
This article explores 20 notable events that occurred on November 29th, offering a chronological journey through time. Each event highlights the diverse ways in which this date has shaped history, reflecting the dynamic and multifaceted nature of human progress and conflict.
From the medieval era to modern times, November 29th stands as a testament to the enduring influence of historical milestones on our world today.
November 29th – On this Day in History
561 – King Chlothar I Dies, Merovingian Dynasty Divided
King Chlothar I, a prominent ruler of the Merovingian dynasty, died on November 29, 561, at Compiègne. As the last surviving son of Clovis I, Chlothar had consolidated power over the Frankish Kingdom through a series of military campaigns and political maneuvers.
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Upon his death, the expansive Merovingian territory was divided among his four sons: Charibert I, Guntram, Sigebert I, and Chilperic I. This division marked the continuation of the Merovingian tradition of partitioning the realm among male heirs, often leading to internal strife and power struggles that shaped the political landscape of early medieval Europe.
1394 – Korean King Yi Seong-gye Moves Capital to Hanyang

On November 29, 1394, King Yi Seong-gye, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty, relocated the Korean capital from Kaesong to Hanyang, which is modern-day Seoul. This strategic move was part of his broader reforms to consolidate power and strengthen the new dynasty’s central government.
Hanyang was chosen for its advantageous geographic location, offering better protection against northern invaders and facilitating control over the Korean Peninsula.
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This relocation also marked the beginning of significant urban and cultural development in the new capital, establishing it as the political and cultural heart of Korea.
1729 – Natchez Indians Massacre French Settlers at Fort Rosalie
The Natchez Indians carried out a devastating attack on French settlers at Fort Rosalie on November 29, 1729. This massacre resulted in the deaths of 138 French colonists and was a critical event in the history of French colonial America.
The attack was precipitated by escalating tensions between the Natchez tribe and French authorities, particularly over land encroachments and harsh trading practices imposed by the French.
The massacre led to a severe military response from the French, ultimately resulting in the near destruction of the Natchez people. This incident highlighted the volatile nature of colonial and Native American relations in the 18th century.
1777 – San Jose, California, Founded
On November 29, 1777, San Jose, California, was established as Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe, becoming the first civilian settlement in Alta California. Founded by Spanish colonists, the settlement was part of Spain’s broader effort to colonize and expand its influence in the Americas.
San Jose served as a vital agricultural and logistical hub, supporting Spanish missions and presidios in the region. The establishment of San Jose marked a significant moment in California’s history, laying the groundwork for its development into a major urban center in the centuries to come.
1781 – Zong Massacre: Crew Kills 133 Africans for Insurance

On November 29, 1781, the crew of the British slave ship Zong committed an atrocity by murdering 133 African slaves by throwing them overboard. This heinous act was motivated by the desire to claim insurance money for the lost “cargo.”
The Zong massacre exposed the brutal realities of the transatlantic slave trade and became a pivotal case in the movement to abolish slavery. The subsequent legal battle in Britain, initiated by the ship’s owners seeking insurance compensation, brought public attention to the inhuman conditions aboard slave ships and fueled the growing abolitionist movement.
This tragic event underscored the need for humanitarian reforms and the eventual eradication of the slave trade.
1830 – November Uprising: Polish Rebellion Against Russian Rule Begins
On November 29, 1830, the November Uprising began as Polish nationals launched a rebellion against Russian rule. The uprising was triggered by widespread discontent with Russian oppression and the influence of the Russian Empire over the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.
This insurrection, also known as the Cadet Revolution, was initiated by young Polish officers from the Warsaw Military Academy. They were inspired by the nationalistic fervor sweeping across Europe and the desire for Polish independence.
Despite initial successes, the insurrection was ultimately crushed by the superior Russian military forces. The November Uprising left a lasting legacy, fueling the spirit of Polish nationalism and the continued struggle for independence.
1847 – Whitman Massacre: Marcus and Narcissa Whitman Killed
The Whitman massacre occurred on November 29, 1847, when Dr. Marcus Whitman and his wife, Narcissa, along with eleven others, were killed by Cayuse and Umatilla Native Americans at the Whitman Mission in present-day Washington State.
The Whitmans were Protestant missionaries who had established the mission to convert local Native Americans to Christianity and provide medical care. However, their presence and the spread of diseases like measles, which the native population had little immunity against, led to tensions and suspicions.
The massacre ignited the Cayuse War, a protracted conflict between settlers and the Cayuse tribe, highlighting the cultural and territorial conflicts that marked the westward expansion of the United States.
1850 – Treaty of Olmütz: Establishment of the German Confederation
On November 29, 1850, the Treaty of Olmütz was signed, which re-established the German Confederation, a loose association of German-speaking states under Austrian influence. This treaty was a significant diplomatic event following the revolutions of 1848, which had called for greater national unity and liberal reforms within the German territories.
The treaty was an agreement between Austria and Prussia, two dominant German states, to resolve their conflicts and restore order. It effectively reaffirmed Austrian dominance over the German states, curbing Prussian ambitions for leadership. The Treaty of Olmütz was a crucial moment in the complex history of German unification, which would not be fully realized until 1871.
1864 – American Civil War: Battle of Spring Hill

The Battle of Spring Hill, fought on November 29, 1864, in Tennessee, was a critical engagement during the American Civil War. This battle was part of the Franklin-Nashville Campaign, as Confederate General John Bell Hood sought to cut off the Union army’s retreat towards Nashville.
Despite Confederate forces’ initial strategic advantage and their ability to outflank Union positions, communication breakdowns and delayed attacks allowed Union forces under Major General John Schofield to withdraw to Franklin.
The Union’s successful retreat set the stage for the decisive Battle of Franklin the following day. The Battle of Spring Hill highlighted the challenges of command and control in wartime and the pivotal moments that could alter the course of military campaigns.
1872 – Modoc War Begins with the Battle of Lost River
On November 29, 1872, the Modoc War began with the Battle of Lost River in southern Oregon. This conflict arose from tensions between the Modoc tribe, led by Kintpuash (Captain Jack), and the United States government.
The Modoc had been forcibly relocated to the Klamath Reservation, where living conditions were harsh and relations with the Klamath tribe were strained. Seeking to return to their ancestral lands, the Modoc resisted relocation efforts, leading to violent confrontations.
The Battle of Lost River was the first in a series of engagements during the Modoc War, which lasted until June 1873. The war is noted for the Modoc’s determined resistance and the subsequent harsh treatment of the Modoc people after their eventual defeat.
1877 – Thomas Edison Demonstrates the Phonograph for the First Time
On November 29, 1877, Thomas Edison demonstrated his phonograph, a groundbreaking invention that could record and reproduce sound. This demonstration marked a significant milestone in the field of audio technology and the broader realm of communication.

The phonograph worked by capturing sound vibrations and etching them onto a cylindrical surface coated with tinfoil. When the cylinder was rotated and a needle traced the grooves, the recorded sounds could be played back.
Edison’s invention revolutionized the way people could experience music, speeches, and other audio content, laying the foundation for the modern recording industry. The phonograph’s introduction highlighted Edison’s ingenuity and solidified his reputation as one of the most influential inventors of his time.
1890 – Meiji Constitution Goes into Effect in Japan
On November 29, 1890, the Meiji Constitution officially came into effect in Japan, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s modernization efforts. This constitution was part of the broader Meiji Restoration, a period of rapid transformation that aimed to centralize political power and industrialize the nation.
The Meiji Constitution established a constitutional monarchy, with the Emperor holding significant authority but constrained by a legal framework and an elected legislature, the Imperial Diet. This new governance structure was influenced by Western models, particularly those of Germany and Prussia, and it sought to balance traditional Japanese values with modern political principles.
The implementation of the Meiji Constitution represented Japan’s commitment to modernization and its desire to be recognized as a formidable global power.
1929 – Richard E. Byrd Leads First Expedition to Fly Over the South Pole
On November 29, 1929, U.S. Admiral Richard E. Byrd led the first successful expedition to fly over the South Pole. Byrd and his crew took off from their base in Antarctica in a Ford Trimotor aircraft named the Floyd Bennett, after the pilot who had accompanied Byrd on previous expeditions.
This historic flight covered approximately 800 miles to the South Pole and back, marking a significant achievement in polar exploration. The expedition provided valuable geographical and meteorological data and showcased the potential of aviation in exploring and understanding remote parts of the world. Byrd’s successful flight over the South Pole cemented his status as a pioneering figure in aviation and exploration.
1944 – First Surgery to Correct Blue Baby Syndrome
On November 29, 1944, the first successful surgery to correct blue baby syndrome was performed by Dr. Alfred Blalock and his assistant Vivien Thomas at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Blue baby syndrome, caused by congenital heart defects that prevent sufficient oxygen from reaching the blood, often results in a bluish tint to the skin.
The groundbreaking procedure, known as the Blalock-Taussig shunt, involved creating a bypass around the faulty section of the heart to improve blood flow to the lungs. The patient, a 15-month-old girl named Eileen Saxon, experienced immediate improvement, demonstrating the procedure’s effectiveness.
This pioneering surgery not only saved Eileen’s life but also opened new avenues for treating congenital heart defects, revolutionizing pediatric cardiac care.
1947 – United Nations General Assembly Votes to Partition Palestine
On November 29, 1947, the United Nations General Assembly passed Resolution 181, which proposed the partition of Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states, with Jerusalem as an international city. This decision was a response to the escalating conflict between Jewish and Arab populations in the British-controlled territory.
The plan allocated roughly 55% of the land to the Jewish state and 45% to the Arab state, reflecting demographic and strategic considerations. While the Jewish community generally accepted the plan, the Arab leaders rejected it, leading to increased tensions and violence.
The partition plan’s adoption marked a critical moment in the history of the Middle East, setting the stage for the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 and the subsequent Arab-Israeli conflict that has persisted for decades.
1961 – Project Mercury: Enos, the Chimpanzee, Launched into Space Aboard Mercury-Atlas 5
On November 29, 1961, Enos, a chimpanzee, was launched into space aboard the Mercury-Atlas 5 spacecraft as part of NASA’s Project Mercury. This mission was a critical step in the United States’ efforts to send humans into space and ensure their safe return.
Enos’s flight, which lasted about three hours and included two orbits around the Earth, aimed to test the life support systems and spacecraft’s functionality under real space conditions.
The mission was successful, demonstrating that the spacecraft could support human life during space travel. Enos’s flight paved the way for John Glenn’s historic orbital flight in February 1962, marking a significant milestone in the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union.
1963 – President Lyndon B. Johnson Establishes the Warren Commission

On November 29, 1963, President Lyndon B. Johnson established the Warren Commission to investigate the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Chaired by Chief Justice Earl Warren, the commission was tasked with providing a thorough and impartial examination of the events surrounding Kennedy’s assassination on November 22nd, 1963, in Dallas, Texas.
The commission’s report, published in September 1964, concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in the assassination and that there was no conspiracy. Despite its findings, the Warren Commission’s conclusions have been the subject of extensive debate and numerous conspiracy theories.
The establishment of the commission marked an important effort to address national grief and confusion following the tragic event and sought to restore public confidence in the U.S. government’s ability to investigate and respond to such crises.
1965 – Canadian Space Agency Launches Alouette 2 Satellite
On November 29, 1965, the Canadian Space Agency successfully launched the Alouette 2 satellite, marking Canada’s continued contributions to space exploration. Alouette 2, a scientific satellite, was designed to study the Earth’s ionosphere, following the success of its predecessor, Alouette 1.
This satellite carried sophisticated instruments to measure the density and composition of the ionosphere, contributing valuable data to our understanding of space weather and its effects on satellite communications and navigation systems.
The successful launch and operation of Alouette 2 demonstrated Canada’s growing capabilities in space technology and solidified its role as a significant player in international space research.
1988 – Soviet Union Ceases to Jam Broadcasts of Radio Liberty
On November 29, 1988, the Soviet Union ceased its decades-long practice of jamming broadcasts from Radio Liberty, marking a significant shift in the Soviet government’s approach to information and media.
Radio Liberty, funded by the United States, broadcast news and information to Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union, often providing an alternative narrative to the state-controlled media. The decision to stop jamming these broadcasts was part of the broader reforms introduced by Mikhail Gorbachev under the policies of glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring).
This move allowed Soviet citizens greater access to uncensored information and was a step towards increased transparency and freedom of expression within the Soviet Union. It signaled the beginning of significant political and social changes that ultimately contributed to the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.
2011 – The Arab Spring: Egyptian Cabinet Resigns Following Protests
On November 29, 2011, the Egyptian Cabinet resigned in response to widespread protests, part of the broader Arab Spring movement that swept across the Middle East and North Africa. The protests in Egypt, which began in January 2011, were driven by demands for political reform, economic opportunities, and an end to corruption.
The resignation of the cabinet came amidst renewed demonstrations in Tahrir Square, where thousands of Egyptians gathered to express their dissatisfaction with the transitional military government that had taken power after President Hosni Mubarak’s ousting in February 2011.
This resignation marked a critical moment in Egypt’s ongoing struggle for democracy and reflected the deep-seated desire for change among the Egyptian populace. The events of the Arab Spring in Egypt led to significant political upheaval and set the stage for further developments in the country’s quest for democratic governance.